Andrew Bynum: All growns up?
October 1, 2009 | 11:58
pm
It certainly feels like a stretch making such a claim about anybody at the ripe old age of 22 (rounding up).
But while Andrew Bynum clearly has plenty of maturing ahead of him, it appears that he's reached a "big boy" milestone of sorts. The Times and the Daily News are reporting that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's work with Bynum will be scaled back this season. Ditto Cap's involvement with the team.
On Bynum's end, the move is being presented as little more than the natural progression of a dude whose first day at the office has long since passed. Lakers public relations director John Black told the Times' Mike Bresnahan, "Kareem has been an instrumental part of Andrew's development and improvement over the years, but as Andrew is entering his fifth season, there's a lesser need for such intensive work together. Therefore, Kareem's workload will be generally lessened."
Sounds simple enough, but The Daily News' Ramona Shelburne relays a fair amount of disappointment on KAJ's end, both in the decision itself ("I think there are things that have to do with basketball that he could learn but he's getting on in years.'') and in Drew's time away from the game this offseason. Bynum, who maintains an extended break was necessary for mind and body, says the separation is nothing personal, and he'll still seek out his mentor's guidance. But there will be some distance between the two, for sure.
On Bynum's end, the move is being presented as little more than the natural progression of a dude whose first day at the office has long since passed. Lakers public relations director John Black told the Times' Mike Bresnahan, "Kareem has been an instrumental part of Andrew's development and improvement over the years, but as Andrew is entering his fifth season, there's a lesser need for such intensive work together. Therefore, Kareem's workload will be generally lessened."
Sounds simple enough, but The Daily News' Ramona Shelburne relays a fair amount of disappointment on KAJ's end, both in the decision itself ("I think there are things that have to do with basketball that he could learn but he's getting on in years.'') and in Drew's time away from the game this offseason. Bynum, who maintains an extended break was necessary for mind and body, says the separation is nothing personal, and he'll still seek out his mentor's guidance. But there will be some distance between the two, for sure.
I'll try to learn more about this development, but I was curious to get a reader reaction. From a practical standpoint, there are obvious pluses with knowledge getting passed along from the league's all-time leading scorer. And, let's be honest, the notion of an all-time Laker great theoretically passing the torch to a potential-laden pupil is pretty cool. On many levels, purple and gold loyalists took a great sense of comfort from Bynum and KAJ working together, perhaps even envisioning them together for several years. Granted, a foundation has been obviously established for Drew to build on. But I wonder if this stll leaves the Laker Nation feeling nervous.
Or at the very least, getting all "Cat's in the Cradle."
AK
Photo: Andrew Bynum working out as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar watches. Credit: AP
I think it's time.
This is best.
I'm amazed at how harsh some people are with Andrew. He's not yet 22! Even younger in basketball experience. We've seen what he can do prior to two injuries that were basically freak in nature.
I very much believe he'll be special. This year will be the first step and an All-Star nod will ring him in.
Posted by: jq | October 02, 2009 at 12:34 AM
I don't like it.
I'm having Michael Olowkandi flashbacks.
Thriller and Bynum are key to this being a fricken historic Dynasty. Thriller is onboard. I have incredible hopes for Bynum, but some little choices he makes produce worry in me.
Notice how Kobe Bryant (a top five player all-time) leaned on Hakeem Olojuwan [sp?] (a top 20 player all-time) to make himself better? THAT is true humility. Humility is good and is of God.
Andrew Bynum will never be a top 5 player all-time, but he could be a top 20 player of all-time, maybe better. Well, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar is a top 5 or top 10 player of all-time.
It sure would be good for Andrew to lean on such an intelligent and gifted player. It would not only be humble. It would be a sign of an aspiration to Greatness.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 02, 2009 at 01:18 AM
5 years! Even a full college education is only 4 years.
Posted by: p ang | October 02, 2009 at 01:19 AM
Bynum might benefit from the change.
He's been complacent and casual. He's not been focused enough on the need the team has for him to be a strong defensive presence. Maybe he's been sheltered some from overall team philosophy. And maybe a little shake-up will help him grow and realize what it takes to be a really bad man in the NBA for more than a month of each year. Yes, I'm aware injuries have been a pretty serious issue in that regard.
Perhaps we could get Bill Russell to work with him? I'd love to see him become a strong defender (for more than a game in a series or against people not named Shaq, Tim Duncan, or Dwight Howard or whoever else against whom Bynum can get excited and motivated in the regular season).
Kobe had to start out putting out huge efforts on defense and finding his spots offensively where he could fit in. There's no reason Bynum shouldn't have to do the same.
Posted by: Benjamin | October 02, 2009 at 03:41 AM
On another note, anyone else notice a creepy, Meatloaf-in-Fight Club sag? Sometimes I wish I were less observant.
Posted by: Benjamin | October 02, 2009 at 03:42 AM
From the article you linked to it looks more like this was Bynum's decision and therefore a potentially dangerous one. Who doesn't remember being 21 and deciding "I know everything there is to know" while being tremendously wrong? More than simply being a bad decision (not necessarily), it's indicative of what Bynum thinks of himself (dangerous).
Posted by: CAS | October 02, 2009 at 04:26 AM
Disappointing, but not surprising. Not many players work hard in the offseason.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 02, 2009 at 06:00 AM
Should be "really hard"
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 02, 2009 at 06:01 AM
If Bynum's the one who wants less time with Kareem, then he's a fool. If I were an up and coming NBA center with unlimited access to the (arguably) greatest center ever to put on tight shorts, I would spend every single waking moment with him that I could. Kareem has still forgotten more about basketball than Bynum knows about the game, and he's been practically begging to coach for many years. I also don't like Bynum getting away from basketball training over the summer. He's not a 10 year, 30 year old vet who's established in what he does and what he can do. He's only 22. If Kobe can work on baksetball skills over almost every summer, somehow I think Bynum should follow his lead. I'm a little disappointed in this story. Of course, if he has a great season, then all will be forgiven and I won't open my mouth again.
Posted by: Steve | October 02, 2009 at 06:09 AM
Andrew needs to look at Kobe, Magic, Bird, and even MJ to understand that true greatness means getting better with something more every year. Why should Kareem's role be less. PJ should embrace his legacy and let him replace Rambis coaching big men defense.
Posted by: Marc S | October 02, 2009 at 07:37 AM
Mrc S,
"Andrew needs to look at Kobe, Magic, Bird, and even MJ to understand that true greatness means getting better with something more every year."
That's a pretty rare attitude in the NBA. There are a LOT more Lamar Odoms that Kobe Bryants.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 02, 2009 at 07:50 AM
Don't like it, but....its been 4 years. A college career. I think if Bynum came up with decision on his own, he hasn't shown me any reason to think this is less than amicable on his part.
I think Bynum has probably learned all he can learn at this point, its time for his body to catch up (not to mention stay healthy).
I'm not worried about it, but I'm a little worried that he doesn't have a big man teacher in his corner. Rambis and Kareem are gone. Hopefully Pau also be a good example for him too.
Posted by: #4 | October 02, 2009 at 07:58 AM
Jon K.
[Andrew Bynum will never be a top 5 player all-time, but he could be a top 20 player of all-time, maybe better. Well, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar is a top 5 or top 10 player of all-time.]
It's weird how a guy that's yet to play in his first all-star game has his name in the same sentence as top 20 player of all time. Dude's got potential to be a good center in this league, but I have seen nothing yet to put him in the list of all time greats. I'd go a step further and say I wouldn't even say Dwight Howard is going to be a top 20 of all time and he's a far superior player to Drew @ this point and is likely to be the better player for the rest of their careers though hopefully Drew will bridge the gap some.
Lastly nobody needs this keed to be a top 20 player in his era muchless all-time. He's sorrounded by all-stars. He's just got to hustle on defense, run the floor on offense and catch/finish.
As for Kareem no longer his being his coach. Reading in between the lines:
["a fair amount of disappointment on KAJ's end ... in Drew's time away from the game this offseason. Bynum, who maintains an extended break was necessary for mind and body, says the separation is nothing personal, and he'll still seek out his mentor's guidance"]
It seems is coming more from Bynum's end in the sense that he's at a point where he feels he can choose how his extra time gets spent and the Kareem thing is getting old. 22 and $12mil in my account and I wouldn't wanna stay for xtra lessons too, I'd wanna go shopping.
We've had to play without Bynum for long stretches and this team has proven it can succeeed without him in the lineup. Whatever we get from Drew makes everyone's life easier and personally I expect him to be a rich man's version of tyson chandler. We get that and our dynasty is secure. Should he orbit into greatness status that a few overzealous fans on here have the audacity to dream about (in a kobe centric team), that'll just make the ride we're about to go on one for the ages (e.g. think 6 lakers on the all-star team in 3 years).
24 + 16 + [3|1]7 = The Purple Tinted Golden Age
Posted by: Segeboy Formerly Known As Taliq | October 02, 2009 at 08:01 AM
If this is a cost cutting measure by the Laker org, then I am really upset. KAJ is the best role model for any 22 yr old whether as a player on or off the court. Who's brilliant idea was it to LESSEN his role? This kid has all the talent he needs. He needs to up his passion on the court and show the fans and players alike that he is a beast and that he is unstoppable under the hoop. Wake up Lakers...give the kid a noogie to wake him up. The time is now, not next year. What would Chick say about AB???
Posted by: arne | October 02, 2009 at 08:05 AM
Steve,
"If Kobe can work on baksetball skills over almost every summer, somehow I think Bynum should follow his lead. "
No he doesn't have to. Brad Miller is the center in Chicago and is getting paid a similar salary to Bynum. Tyson Chandler probably is too. If you compare Bynum to other centers in this league, he's somewhere in the middle of the pack and on his way to the top if he can stay injury free. Asking him to have kobe's work ethic is asking him to be great. Great is not something he's got to be for him to have a long career in the nba, neither is it needed for us to have our dynasty.
Appreciate that you've got Kobe. Appreciate that he's sorrounded by 4 other potential all-star and that the rest of the team is good as well. Just sit back and enjoy the ride y'all. Bynum can party all off-season at the playboy mansion for all I care. Our hopes aren't pinned on his 22 yr old shoulders and I'm glad that's the case.
Now if the season starts and his work ethic is sloppy then I'd start complaining. But Drew has proven he's willing to work as hard as the next guy (not counting the team leaders) so why worry.
Posted by: Segeboy Formerly Known As Taliq | October 02, 2009 at 08:19 AM
#4,
"I think Bynum has probably learned all he can learn at this point"
If Kobe (probably the most skilled offensive player of all time) hasn't even learned all he can yet, how can you say Bynum has?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 02, 2009 at 08:21 AM
It's hard to see this as positive, especially given that Kareem was disappointed in Bynum's offseason work.
Drew, here is how you become an all-star - work your ass off. Look at Kobe, a perennial all star, working withthe Dream in the offseason on his post moves.
From the start I saw Andrew and his tools - size, agility, leaping, hands, footwork, touch - and I thought the sky was the limit for his development. Two injuries have slowed that development, and maybe had long term physical and/or mental impact. But I suspect that potential is still there and Andrew will eventually tap into it.
BUT. Here is a guy who didn't play college ball, sat a lot his first couple of years and has missed half of the last 2 years. What he needs more than anything else is reps. It all needs to become instinct, second nature to him, for him to be great. Working hard over the summer and working with Kareeem could only help.
Plus, setimentally, I love Cap and would like to see the Lakers keep him more involved.
Tom D.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | October 02, 2009 at 08:22 AM
Hi All: I see two things with this:
1. Lakers (corporate) is looking to cut back on any budget items and KAJ was an easy target.
2. Mr. Bynum your big, fat contract starts this season so you better man up.
Sorry to say but I am still not in the "love AB" camp like others here. I think AB is really immature - has been and will be. And I would even stretch to the point that its all about the benjamins for him and his family.
I have yet to see any sense of Laker pride, Laker history or for that matter NBA history. If you were "given" KAJ as your mentor - 98% of us would relish the time and be googly eyed. This kid has been "given" everything on a silver platter as far as I am concerned and done nothing with it. I know, the injuries and all - okay I get it.
But at 22 (when kids are usually coming out of college), if you are an athlete, aren't you working out all the time and making sure you are in tip-top shape in the off-season? Aren't you shooting hoops and working on new moves?
Call me crazy, but where is his work ethic? We saw the nice workout video from last Summer but that's because he was forced to get back in shape with the injury.
Personally, I think Cap pushed him too hard and this kid is a lazy XXXX. Dwight Howard is 24 years old and seems to have added something to his repetoire each off-season. Read about it in the orlando sentinel. I can't wait to see the Orlando/LAL game because if AB gets schooled by Dwight, that will be the tell tale sign for me.
Lastly, he wants to be an All-Star? That is a candy XXX popularity contest. I would much prefer AB saying he wants to be DPOTY. Now that would be a goal and put out a challenge to the Dwight Howard (the best young center in the NBA) and say I am coming for you.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | October 02, 2009 at 08:25 AM
The list of players whose job is on the line just got bigger.
Farmar, Sasha, Morrison, & now Bynum.
I am not saying that I want any of these people to be traded.
I am saying that 2 of the 4 have shown questionable judgement.
I am saying that 3 of the 4 didn't play well for parts of last year.
Posted by: hobbitmage | October 02, 2009 at 08:33 AM
I just don't understand why our franchise can't find a permenant job for KAJ? Here is a man who carried our franchise on his back from 76 until Magic grew into leader of this team/franchise. Then when you look at what he has done for Drew's development...I just don't understand. More than anybody else sitting on the bench as an assistant, he is most deserving.
http://wwww.freegovtjobs.com
Posted by: Mike | October 02, 2009 at 08:34 AM
For some reason Laker Tom is silent.
Posted by: Skyhook4ever | October 02, 2009 at 08:54 AM
Do we know if Bynum is really saying he has learned all he can period - as in nothing more he can learn about the game? Or is he simply saying that he thinks that Kareem has taught him all that Kareem can teach him? Look at Tiger or Phil - they both have switched instructors and are still wildly successful. Tiger said I have done with what I can working with Butch Harmon, lets see what I can do with Haney.
Kareem had a style all his own - and frankly his style was extremely unique. Maybe Bynum could use a different mentor that can enhance the skill set he has, because he will never play like Kareem. I am sure there is a lot more Kareem could teach Drew, but at Drew's age I am sure he feels he is a 'man' now and it is time to do things his way. Kareem helped him when he was a 'kid' but now it is time for him to strike out on his own. Kareem was one of, if not the greatest of all time. Bynum is not likely to reach that kind of level - they have different body types, athletic ability and the rest, so maybe it will be that Andrew gets someone else to lean on and learn some different tricks of the trade.
I don't like the signal it sends - however I think a little patience may be in order. As we mature, we see things we did when we were young that we wished we hadn't done - it is part of life’s experiences. I think Andrew is trying to become his own man at this stage and I don’t find that unusual at all. When I was 22 - out of college and starting out on my own, I didn't listen too much to my father - I wish I had, I might be better off today. At that age though you know everything, and it isn't until later you start to realize you don't know jack.
One other element could be that Kareem does have an image of being not the easiest person to deal with. I am sure that the portrayal in the media may not be completely accurate, but there must be an element of truth to it. Maybe Kareem doesn’t communicate in a way that is effective for Andrew. I don’t know just throwing this stuff out here to be shot down as to why I am stupid or an idiot.
I also think that using Kobe as a gauge isn't really fair - though I wish all the Lakers had his kind of drive - we would go 81-1 and sweep the playoffs if they did. Guys like Kobe and MJ did strive to bring new aspects to their game with a dedication most of us don't understand. I see Drew as being motivated to get better but I don't see him being obsessive like Jordan and Kobe.
Peace,
EagleBoy
Posted by: EagleBoy | October 02, 2009 at 08:56 AM
So Bynum signs a huge multi-million dollar deal then spends his summer resting in Italy and declining the help of legendary Laker coaches.
It all sounds bad to me.
Do I smell sign and trade in 3 years? Maybe not, but if Bynum starts to wear an 'all me' attitude, I'll be concerned.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 02, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Jon K,
I agree with everything you said, except that Bryant is a top 5 all-time player. One team, all-time, stills put MJ at SG, although Bryant would be a respectable backup. And just to show I'm not a troll, I would have Magic as my starting PG.
Posted by: owenfromburbank | October 02, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Wow - I'll take some training from the Cap now that he has more time - oops, don't have that kind of money to pay him.
I'm disappointed in Bynum's decision but I guess he's gotta work it out for himself. I'm afraid he's doing himself a disservice and it sounds that he's taking it for granted, but that's me as a fan looking at it from out here.
Posted by: rojaro | October 02, 2009 at 09:08 AM
John K,
A Kandi man flashback? Ouch - are you going to be OK? There is treatment available - if it keeps coming back I urge you to seek professional help - maybe you can even take my good pal 131-92 he needs help and you might get a group discount.
Olowokandi? I would say that is just a tad overreaction. Just a smidge over the top. If Drew can stay healthy and play like he was before the injury - or even somewhat close he will be a top big man in the league. The kid has skills, I just think he is like teenager that just got his driver license. Enough of this having to have mom or dad in the car - give me the frickin' keys and get out of my way!
Go Lakers!
Peace,
Eagleboy
Posted by: EagleBoy | October 02, 2009 at 09:11 AM
If Kobe (probably the most skilled offensive player of all time) hasn't even learned all he can yet, how can you say Bynum has?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 02, 2009 at 08:21 AM
You're parsing my statement. Just to be clear, my quote:
"I think Bynum has probably learned all he can learn ***AT THIS POINT***" That last part is pretty important when reading the first part, especially if its misconstrued as me thinking Bynum has learned all that he can and is done for life, while Kobe is still learning. Why would I ever think that?
We're all not done learning, but at some point the rubber has to meet the road. So when reading that, don't forget that its learned all he can **at this point**. I'm sure he's got alot of the moves, countermoves, defensive movement, etc, in his head under lots and lots of tutelage from KAJ. But, and its a big but...he probably has more knowledge than he does skills at this point.
But in regards to tutelage, no other player in the league has gotten this kind of one-on-one training.
I guess a better way to put it is, Bynum is 'book smart', whaddya think?
Posted by: #4 | October 02, 2009 at 09:12 AM
Cap has had a problem finding a basketball home. He wants to teach, he wants to belong. If the quote mentions disappointment, it's times 2 in the real world. He's admittedly not a people person, and Andrew is another one that wants to move on.
How do you show up and mentor after being dismissed? Excuse me, Andrew, you know that sky hook I've mentioned, really was an effective weapon, you really might consider working on it....
I haven't paid much attention to the Bynum posts here because basketball is a meritocracy and he hasn't merited much yet but hope. But this isn't a young, over confidant, Kobe Bryant waving off a Karl Malone pick in an All Star game. This is telling the greatest center to ever play, with a skill set that Silk said were the greatest ever, that his services aren't required.
And the proof of that will be this season.
Posted by: VMan | October 02, 2009 at 09:14 AM
It is really about time for Bynum to stand on his own without the help of Cap. No Laker Center has received a comprehensive tutorial and still gets 12.5M for his pay. That is being spoiled for a 22 years who works only 50% of his time during the season. Time to work buddy and dig the trenches just like any 22 year old coming out from college looking for work with a college degree. Come to think of it, I believe it will benefit Drew from that independence when there is nobody to lean except himself, it leads to creativity and carve his own destiny not a copy cat of anybody. I also believe in this season Bynum will explode just like Morrisson and Shannon Brown. Why? because they Lakers are deep on the outside with Kobe, Gasol and Artest plus Fish, that leaves Bynum single coverage in the post. Kareem has revealed all the techniques that Bynum has to learn, Lakers will benefit more if Kareem will be given a full time assistant coach assignment and concentrate on other big men or at least support PJ on basketball strategies he has learned over the years. Among all the assistant coaches, Kareem is the only HOF that undergone strings of championship from NCAA who record has never been broken, then a proven winner when he went PRO at Bucks and Lakers. He truly deserve to be given a worthy job not just a coach of a 22 year old aspirant.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 02, 2009 at 09:17 AM
I believe that Bynum needs a day to day coach in his corner, but I also believe his game would benefit greatly if he went to Pete Newell's camp next summer when he is healthy. Shaq went to the camp the summer before the 2nd championship, and that 2nd championship year, he was at his best, with a move and a counter move to go with it.
The Lakers do need a big man coach though. We can potentially have a team on the floor that can post from any position....so it would be nice to have someone help each of them be a threat.
Posted by: #4 | October 02, 2009 at 09:18 AM
Eagleboy,
"Do we know if Bynum is really saying he has learned all he can period - as in nothing more he can learn about the game? Or is he simply saying that he thinks that Kareem has taught him all that Kareem can teach him? Look at Tiger or Phil - they both have switched instructors and are still wildly successful. Tiger said I have done with what I can working with Butch Harmon, lets see what I can do with Haney. Kareem had a style all his own - and frankly his style was extremely unique. Maybe Bynum could use a different mentor that can enhance the skill set he has, because he will never play like Kareem."
You raise a very good point. I'm personally not as concerned about Bynum working less with Kareem, in and of itself, but "why."
Is it simply because Drew would like to try a different approach or style with his training? Was he feeling self conscious/like a little kid being perceived as privately "tutored" this many years into the league? Is he simply sick of Kareem, on a personal or professional level? I could live with any/all of thise reasons. But if it's because Drew thinks there isn't much more for him to learn at this stage of his career, that would be a problem. So the "why" is more important to me than the "what?"
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | October 02, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Good morning CRUE!
I don't like this development.
I don't like it at all.
It doesn't bode well when someone needing help declines it.
And YES - Socks needs the help. Until I see him retiring from the game, he needs help.
Just ask Kobe.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 02, 2009 at 09:21 AM
OwenFB -
Dude - if you have to identify yourself as "not a troll" - then, my man - you ARE a troll.
I'm just saying....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 02, 2009 at 09:21 AM
My question is, and truly no disrespect is intended to Kareem, but how much of the reaction is due to sentimental attachment to the Cap as opposed to real concerns that Bynum will suddenly stop working on his game? If Drew goes into the season and his work level slacks off, that's a different story (personally, I'm okay with a kid coming off two injury filled seasons taking time to heal and have experiences like a normal person- that has value, and by all rights he seems to have arrived in camp in shape), but until that happens, to me this is more of a neutral story- neither good nor bad.
AK alluded to it, and I definitely agree that there's a cool factor in this giant figure in NBA and Lakers history tutoring what fans hope will be the future, but Kareem's status as perhaps the greatest center of all time doesn't automatically mean he's an outstanding teacher or a great fit with the rest of the coaching staff.
Based on the information that's out there, I'm at E, not enough information given. It could be that Drew wants less time with KAJ, it could be that the Lakers feel he'd be better off with less or is at a point in his development where he needs to be coached differently than he has been in years past. It's hard to say without knowing more. But I do think it's important not to automatically assume Bynum is at "fault" here, based on loyalty to what Kareem did for the franchise, because fundamentally Bynum's development and Kareem's legacy aren't automatically related. If Bynum stops putting in the work now, that's a different story.
I just think it's awfully easy to read more into this than is fair, especially given the published information. Sentimentality towards Kareem (well earned, no question) only enhances the emotion of the news.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 02, 2009 at 09:24 AM
If Bynum comes out this year and averages 12 points and 6 rebounds, he and the team might be in a bit of trouble. We need him working in the other direction. Give us 12 rebounds and 6 points and we'll be hard to beat. Focus on scoring and being an all star at the expense of Pau doing his thing, and we'll suffer for it.
But everything I'm seeing from Andrew points to him not even knowing how to take one for the team.
Bynum now becomes the #1 thing for me to watch at the start of the season. I neeed to see what he's building in there; in that dark mind if his...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znH6tcglC1k
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 02, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Change is good-4 years is enough from the same person. Being a sales manager I know this rule very well.
...
Blah blah..he didnt work out this year..BS!!! we all knew he had Drs orders to stay off the knee a minumum 30 days to get the tendinitis out of the knee then he worked out in Atlanta with a personal trainer. What now a Laker Fan is going to tell me he is not motivated and maybe we should trade him? LOL! Let's all go to the extreme. I am really surprised to hear a Laker Fan who actually follows the team who thinks this kid in not motivated.
BottomLine take away the injuries and the KID is a BEAST. WE ALL SAW IT! That's if you follow the Lakers.
BD
Posted by: BD | October 02, 2009 at 09:35 AM
justanothermambafan,
"Dude - if you have to identify yourself as "not a troll" - then, my man - you ARE a troll."
lol well said ... there's a grand canyon btw trolls and fans, hard to mistake one for the other
Posted by: Segeboy Formerly Known As Taliq | October 02, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Edwin G,
"Time to work buddy and dig the trenches just like any 22 year old coming out from college looking for work with a college degree."
I worked harder at 22 than I do now. I think I peaked @ 24 and just got comfortable with the paycheck. Sometimes its easy to criticize athletes for the very same things we do. Yea yea they get paid millions. But I'd probably be lazier if my contract was guranteed. Yo fix that computer, umm my fingers hurt. lmao.
Posted by: Segeboy Formerly Known As Taliq | October 02, 2009 at 09:43 AM
I can't believe how harsh some people are with Bynum. He gets crap for resting his knee, which was the smartest thing he could have done, instead of pushing it and not letting it completely heal. THEN, he went to Atlanta and obviously worked his butt off to get back in shape - I don't see anybody saying he's out of shape coming into camp.
He's not blowing Kareem off, he just doesn't need Kareem to coddle him every single day, he still wants to be able to get advice from Kareem, perhaps there's not much for Kareem to tell him on a day to day basis anymore, it has been several years now.
Bynum needs to figure out some things on his own and I actually find this encouraging that Bynum wants to be an allstar and is letting go of the Kareem crutch. It probably means Bynum watches MORE film and prepares himself better for each and every game and most likely will get off to a better start this year with that allstar slot as a goal.
Amazing though... we've got the best young Center in basketball, maybe Oden improves, maybe Oden is Kwame II, we don't know yet, but we saw what Bynum was doing before he got injured and he was torching Tim Duncan and Al Jefferson, I haven't seen Oden do that yet...
Posted by: Porky Pig | October 02, 2009 at 09:46 AM
Off Topic, it is so disappointing that USA did not get the chance to host the 2016 Olympics, the last time we lost a bid, it was NY losing to London for 2012. Among the three biggest cities, only LA was given a go signal to host the Summer Games. Didn't make money like LA did. When no other cities would like to host the Olympics because of economic depression, LA got it first in 1932. The second time around, the losses were just insurmountable incurred by host cities like Montreal,Moscow again nobody wanted to host the Olympics Uberroth and Mayor Bradley stepped in, paving the 1984 Olympics. It was a success because of volunteers and the present structure in place throughout the Southland, it garnered a net profit of $200M which stirred excitement for other world capitals to bid in the ensuing years. Atlanta got it in 1996 and ended up with a "bang" of homegrown terrorism.The last time USA hosted the Olympics was in Utah Winter Games and it was mired by accusation of corruption and favoritism by IOC members exposed by the Utah Olympic committee. Perhaps, that was an indelible mark that was still imprinted in the minds of IOC voters today when they evaluated the host cities for 2016 namely: the Daley machinery was at work this week and the last two years, Obama's overkill participation as cheerleaders on the sidelines while Chicago remains still as Chicago, a windy city, economically broke like any other USA cities in recessionary times, Blagojevich's image and the hometown of infamous Al Capone. I hope those were not the reasons, I'm just guessing for the quick elimination on the first voting. Will Los Angeles please step again in 2020 and bring back the Summer Games in USA?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 02, 2009 at 09:48 AM
So I guess this puts KAJ's chances of becoming the Lakers next head coach in a bit of jeopardy?
Posted by: #4 | October 02, 2009 at 09:54 AM
PsychedLakerGirl
[If you were "given" KAJ as your mentor - 98% of us would relish the time and be googly eyed.]
He was googly eyed in the beginning. 2 knee surgeries, 2 nba finals, 1 championship and 57mil dollars later and you can't blame the kid for wanting to enjoy his youth. 12mil dollars @ 22, I'd be praying to the lord everyday to keep me focussed on b-ball instead of building up my own harem of the worlds most beautiful girls.
If he's hustling hard on both ends of the court, laker fans should be happy. BTW when is LakerTom going to post a 10 page article on how this is the best thing that could happen to Drew and just proves he's a few years away from being the next Kareem. I'm suggesting 'Master you've taught me so much, but the journey to discover my inner beast is one I must take alone'
Posted by: Segeboy Formerly Known As Taliq | October 02, 2009 at 09:54 AM
#4,
"So I guess this puts KAJ's chances of becoming the Lakers next head coach in a bit of jeopardy? "
Absolutely not. By definition, chances running at 0% can't be put in "jeopardy." haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | October 02, 2009 at 09:59 AM
AK,
You can go negative in Jeopardy.
"I'll take Lakers Head Coaches for 1000, Alec."
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 02, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Porky Pig,
"we've got the best young Center in basketball"
Nope - that's Dwight Howard.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 02, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Maybes its about time the training wheels came off. it aint the end of the world people. Besides the cap aint goin anywhere and he can always be rehired on a part time basis
This might be good for the kid. Maybe he's got enough fundamentals down after 4 years of training and now he needs to stop thinkin and just start playin
Posted by: yellofever | October 02, 2009 at 10:12 AM
I'm not sure I can agree with some of the posts here about Bynum's reluctance to work. While Phil Jackson has questioned his work ethic at times, I don't think that's Bynum's M.O. He has shown that he wants to put in the effort year-in-year-out, which is why he's showing incredible improvement. As for this off-season, he did need a break. He is recovering from two major knee surgeries in the last two years. The fact that he still went to Atlanta to work with his personal trainer shows a remarkable commitment.
One last thing. As a teacher and a parent, it's not a bad thing that he is scaling back his involvement with Kareem (one of my all-time favorite players). While he has more to learn from the master, he hasn't withdrawn from him completely. He's just taking steps forward to become more independent. This is what we parents and teachers do with our children: we give them the guidance they need and let them try on their own, showing up again to help them when they need it.
Bynum will be excellent this season. All-star worthy? That's to be seen, but he will be a great complement to the Laker's squad. Let's just hope that he stays healthy.
Posted by: Jeremiah | October 02, 2009 at 10:14 AM
AK/BK, thanks for clearing that up.
=)
Posted by: #4 | October 02, 2009 at 10:30 AM
exhelodrvr,
"Nope - that's Dwight Howard."
- if Bynum starts putting it together like he did last year before the injury, again, we'll have the best young Center in basketball. Bynum has more length, better hands, a much more developed post game and better defensive potential than Howard. Howard does more slam dunks and is more of a focal point on offense than Bynum is for the Lakers but if Bynum was on some other team that depended on him more, we would be absolutely drooling over him and Bynum's numbers would be much higher, probably close to the 20/12 range with 2-3 blocks/game. We don't need that from him here with Gasol and Odom taking shots, rebounds and minutes away from him.
Posted by: Porky Pig | October 02, 2009 at 10:30 AM
AK,
You can go negative in Jeopardy.
"I'll take Lakers Head Coaches for 1000, Alec."
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 02, 2009 at 10:10 AM
damnit ex, now I'm trying to think of what having a negative number assigned to the chance KAJ will get the Laker coaching position would actually mean.
I think its a sign of the apocalypse if I figure that out.
Posted by: #4 | October 02, 2009 at 10:38 AM